Can I donate blood after traveling?
What this means
- Travel to most countries: no wait.
- Travel to a malaria-risk area: commonly a three-month wait after returning.
- A few destinations and longer stays can carry their own rules.
What to do next
Have your travel dates and destinations ready, then check with the center.
When to call the center: Call before scheduling if you visited a malaria-risk area or lived abroad for a long period.
If you need to wait
Often three months after travel to a malaria-risk area.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Some regions carry infection risks that current tests cannot fully rule out right away.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence